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(03-23-2019 08:13 AM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-23-2019 08:00 AM)Ring of Black Wrote:  

(03-23-2019 07:05 AM)rosewater Wrote:  I am concerned about recent recruiting, however, I believe that we have plenty of talent on the roster for the forseeable future. Next year we return Cumberland a top 15 player. I think Nasier will be incredible on his current trajectory. He plays great rim defense and can contribut 8-12. Williams flashed in many instances including that awful shot that at mid season was pretty good. He just needs to become more consistent. Trevon Scott is a very good player that can score and rebound. He has developed a midrange game and an outside shot. So who fills the last role. Samari will not be ready for a starting role. Trevor Moore is not ready, I will leave it at that. Logan Johnson is far and away the best athlete off the bench. He can dominate his opposite number defensively, but I have not seen a shot or point guard capabilities yet. Lastly, we could go big with Mamado or Elle. I think that would be disaster. So, we are looking for a point guard. Lets see if he can snag a grad transfer. The second best option imho would be logan johnson. I am not convinced that Cumberland to point for most minutes is a good idea

I mostly agree with your post But the bench really needs to improve.

Our starters were more than good enough to win yesterday. Just about the only time Iowa made their moves yesterday was when Brooks was on the bench, in foul trouble. The times he was in, I'd even go as far to say he was influencing the game even more than JC was.

But, other than Broome, the bench was horrific yesterday.

Especially agree that the scariest prospect for next year is that the fourth starter will be either Moore or Lo. I favor Lo, but I have the sinking feeling it will be Trevor, especially after Mick's talk of making JC a point guard. What WON'T happen, is a grad transfer.

Yes, Yes and Yes. Not just yesterday, but the home Houston game and there is probably many other instances when our bench was destroyed by the other team.

Yup, even Broome played relatively poorly with 4 missed 3's. Cronin did offer one grad transfer already in KJ Feagin, though he is likely going to San Diego St. Cronin is general doesn't like grad transfers, but I think he'd be willing to take (maybe even is looking for) a grad transfer PG next year to help fill the void and ease the transition to Logan.

Brooks quietly developed into the teams second best and sometimes most important player. We didn't have anyone on the roster to who comes close to his production on the offensive end at the 5. Mick was dedicated to going small a lot to buy minutes (Scott at the 5) all year and it never really worked out, especially not this game. Besides a 5th starter, our next biggest need next year is someone or a combination of players to solidly fill the roll of backup big (for both Scott and Brooks). Mick for some reason never had Diarra play the 4, but Diarra should be capable of it. Nsoseme started the year strong (besides the finger injury impacting his shooting), but faded after his ankle injury.

(03-23-2019 08:44 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Brooks quietly developed into the teams second best and sometimes most important player. We didn't have anyone on the roster to who comes close to his production on the offensive end at the 5. Mick was dedicated to going small a lot to buy minutes (Scott at the 5) all year and it never really worked out, especially not this game. Besides a 5th starter, our next biggest need next year is someone or a combination of players to solidly fill the roll of backup big (for both Scott and Brooks). Mick for some reason never had Diarra play the 4, but Diarra should be capable of it. Nsoseme started the year strong (besides the finger injury impacting his shooting), but faded after his ankle injury.

No doubt on Brooks. He's clearly the second best player on this team. Problem is he plays the easiest position to neutralize, either by the other team playing small or a couple bad foul calls.

Samari is going to have to be our second best perimeter player next year. After recruiting perimeter players like Troy, JE3, and JC who could handle, pass, and score we've recruited one dimensional guards. Keith can slash, Trevor can shoot (allegedly), but neither of those guys have the skills of their predecessors to be diverse offensive players. If we tried to run offense through those guys it would be scary.

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IMO, the 5th starter should be Logan. BUT he needs to shoot until his hands bleed ( ok not literally) this summer. Next year, Brooks is even more important than JC... If he's a legit offensive threat - not just on rebounds - teams can't crowd the 3 line as much.

Then Mick needs to have Scott and Williams work on the shot from the elbow area. Like LoJo, a couple hundred shots per day, multiple days off the week.

Our offense was either one layered (3 point shooting) or one and a half when you add offensive rebounds and put backs but needs to be 3 tiered to be effective against better teams and in the conference and especially the NCAA tourney.

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Diarra has to get bigger and better in the offseason. If you're going to beat better teams, he has to be able to play consistent minutes which he is not right now. Can't be using a front line spot with someone who cannot play in his third season. He is project 1 for this team this offseason as i think they use the extra scholly for a guard unless a blue chip front line player fell into our lap.

Without a good back to for Brooks and Scott...next year is going to be a challenge. i don't see Ellie, Diarra, or Fredericks doing jack.


I mean, watching Ellie and Diara, I assume both guys started playing basketball at what, age 18? They make Curtis Bostic look polished.

(03-24-2019 10:40 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  Without a good back to for Brooks and Scott...next year is going to be a challenge. i don't see Ellie, Diarra, or Fredericks doing jack.


I mean, watching Ellie and Diara, I assume both guys started playing basketball at what, age 18? They make Curtis Bostic look polished.

I bet at least one of them will be a serviceable backup. It's usually not smart to bet against player development at Cincinnati.

And the fact they haven't been playing basketball that long is one reason to think so.

(03-25-2019 06:15 AM)crex043 Wrote:  

(03-24-2019 10:40 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  Without a good back to for Brooks and Scott...next year is going to be a challenge. i don't see Ellie, Diarra, or Fredericks doing jack.


I mean, watching Ellie and Diara, I assume both guys started playing basketball at what, age 18? They make Curtis Bostic look polished.

I bet at least one of them will be a serviceable backup. It's usually not smart to bet against player development at Cincinnati.

And the fact they haven't been playing basketball that long is one reason to think so.

Agreed. I'm not worried about Diarra progressing. He showed flashes in what was his freshman year, eligibility-wise. There's definitely something to build on.

His basketball IQ somewhat worries me, but we'll know a lot more next year.

Wouldn't surprise me at all to see him consistently knock down 15 footers next year during his time on the floor.

(03-22-2019 07:19 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 07:09 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

I was in the Vegas airport three years ago and had a long conversation with a guy that runs one of the elite basketball camps while we waited on our plane.

He said that Mick was well liked amongst his peers, young players and their families, and worked hard at getting to know the prospects that UC had a legit shot at. But then this guy looked at me straight on and said...."but why would any top player ever choose Cincinnati since they were no longer playing in the Big East." These kids want to play in the League and get as much national exposure via TV, social media, as possible. Cincinnati is in a fly over state. Half their games are played in empty arenas. No history of success at all recognized by the under-18 year old crowd. Even our NBA guys in the last 20 years really never left a mark except for blowing in LeBron's ear.

It's a tough, uphill battle for UC these days. Thus my venom for being left behind in this silly league - Tulane really. Oh No!

CBS proclaimed a P6 including the Big East for basketball. So how many schools comprise those six leagues? If each school gets just 2 after the blue bloods get their pick of the litter, not much out there. UC gets what's left or a hometown kid that decides to stay. No one in Raleigh Durham wanted Gary. Jacob was passed on by all the southern powers. And Jarron stayed home.

Boys, its not going to get any better. Maybe all the player development Cronin puts together will pay off one season in the future. Should have last year - and he f'd up. League Championships, cutting those AAC nets down, is the best we can hope for most years.

Really, its exactly like football. No shot at all for the National Championship. Once in a blue moon maybe make a NYE bowl. And be happy with a league championship and a minor bowl game victory.

Ok...cool...then explain this...

https://247sports.com/college/memphis/Se...l/Commits/

OH is a hotbed for football, not b-ball. Memphis is. I wonder If we could mine the leftover talent in Memphis. They would still get to play Memphis every year. Get one small benefit of a crappy conference.

(03-22-2019 07:09 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

I was in the Vegas airport three years ago and had a long conversation with a guy that runs one of the elite basketball camps while we waited on our plane.

He said that Mick was well liked amongst his peers, young players and their families, and worked hard at getting to know the prospects that UC had a legit shot at. But then this guy looked at me straight on and said...."but why would any top player ever choose Cincinnati since they were no longer playing in the Big East." These kids want to play in the League and get as much national exposure via TV, social media, as possible. Cincinnati is in a fly over state. Half their games are played in empty arenas. No history of success at all recognized by the under-18 year old crowd. Even our NBA guys in the last 20 years really never left a mark except for blowing in LeBron's ear.

It's a tough, uphill battle for UC these days. Thus my venom for being left behind in this silly league - Tulane really. Oh No!

CBS proclaimed a P6 including the Big East for basketball. So how many schools comprise those six leagues? If each school gets just 2 after the blue bloods get their pick of the litter, not much out there. UC gets what's left or a hometown kid that decides to stay. No one in Raleigh Durham wanted Gary. Jacob was passed on by all the southern powers. And Jarron stayed home.

Boys, its not going to get any better. Maybe all the player development Cronin puts together will pay off one season in the future. Should have last year - and he f'd up. League Championships, cutting those AAC nets down, is the best we can hope for most years.

Really, its exactly like football. No shot at all for the National Championship. Once in a blue moon maybe make a NYE bowl. And be happy with a league championship and a minor bowl game victory.

Great post Rag Your take is right in line with Chad Brendel's.

I know I often come off as opposing your points on this whole thing, but I don't. I just have always tried not to dwell on the situation. But, maybe I should a little more.

I really do appreciate the Clark, Evans, and Cumberland types all the more, because these days, they are so rare. If we can get one a class (or at least most of the time), I'm elated. But I know we'll never be able to "load up" on them.

I will say, I couldn't ask for more from Williams, Brooks and Scott as first year starters. Next year ought to be very good if no one leaves.

Regarding Mick and not being able to recruit in the AAC....

1. In the Big East he wasn't tearing it up either. He had what, ONE top 20 class in the best conference in the world. And that class was like, 19.
2. Memphis says hi. UCONN too.

Just more lame excuses for Early Exit Mick.

(03-23-2019 10:09 AM)RealDeal Wrote:  

(03-23-2019 08:44 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Brooks quietly developed into the teams second best and sometimes most important player. We didn't have anyone on the roster to who comes close to his production on the offensive end at the 5. Mick was dedicated to going small a lot to buy minutes (Scott at the 5) all year and it never really worked out, especially not this game. Besides a 5th starter, our next biggest need next year is someone or a combination of players to solidly fill the roll of backup big (for both Scott and Brooks). Mick for some reason never had Diarra play the 4, but Diarra should be capable of it. Nsoseme started the year strong (besides the finger injury impacting his shooting), but faded after his ankle injury.

Keith can slash, Trevor can shoot (allegedly), but neither of those guys have the skills of their predecessors to be diverse offensive players. If we tried to run offense through those guys it would be scary.

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Keith went from averaging 3 ppg last year to 10 this year. He also went from shooting 15% from 3 to 28%. A similar jump would have him closer to 15 ppg at 35ish% from three. At that point, he would probably be the second best shooter on the team and easily the second best scoring threat. The reality is that kids want playing time or they are cognizant that they need time to develop. The way our program is structured, we very rarely have players transfer out (compared to a school like Xavier) and we rely on kids to develop. We all thought Brooks was a total stiff after his freshman year and this year he was an excellent player. We aren't going to get some 5* center next year that wants to come in and compete with Brooks for minutes because chances are he won't be better. We will get what we always get. A freshman that need to develop behind Diarra. Diarra will get his 2 years as the starting center same as Brooks, Washington, Ellis etc.

Keith was really bad down the stretch this year. On both ends IMO. Let's hope his game continues to improve a ton this off-season. I never envision him as a focal point on the offensive end. He doesn't handle the ball well at all.

I do not like Keith's potential as a future offensive focal point. He made great strides from year 1 to 2 so I hope he proves me wrong again but so much of basketball now is based around the ability to space the floor and have perimeter players who can dribble, shoot, and pass. He improved his shot in year 2 but I'd argue it's a small sample size and I still don't have a ton of confidence in his jump shot. And I feel like the really skilled perimeter players have a natural feel for the game. I think you can get develop those skills but you're not going to go from not being a skill guy to being average skill to go along with the athleticism. JC and JE3 got better at those things over their first three years but they also came in with good natural instincts in those areas as a foundation.

I see Keith as a 2 guard version of Shaq Thomas. That's a useful player but not a guy I want to count on as an offensive focal point.

(03-26-2019 09:32 AM)RealDeal Wrote:  I see Keith as a 2 guard version of Shaq Thomas. That's a useful player but not a guy I want to count on as an offensive focal point.

That's a good comparison right there. That is how I kind of envision him as well.

(03-26-2019 09:32 AM)RealDeal Wrote:  I do not like Keith's potential as a future offensive focal point. He made great strides from year 1 to 2 so I hope he proves me wrong again but so much of basketball now is based around the ability to space the floor and have perimeter players who can dribble, shoot, and pass. He improved his shot in year 2 but I'd argue it's a small sample size and I still don't have a ton of confidence in his jump shot. And I feel like the really skilled perimeter players have a natural feel for the game. I think you can get develop those skills but you're not going to go from not being a skill guy to being average skill to go along with the athleticism. JC and JE3 got better at those things over their first three years but they also came in with good natural instincts in those areas as a foundation.

I see Keith as a 2 guard version of Shaq Thomas. That's a useful player but not a guy I want to count on as an offensive focal point.

The only thing that gives me hope for his shot is he became a reliable free throw shooter this year and was absolute ice at the end of games at the line. If he can get his three point shot into the mid 30s and be more consistent attacking, he'll be an important piece. I agree he's not going to be a star for us.